DTDC eyes robotic arms at sorting centers across metros by year-end

A pilot project to be launched in Hyderabad by March-end; solution developed by company's in-house tech team

With logistics and courier businesses gearing up to meet the rising demand from the Indian e-commerce sector, DTDC Courier is looking to tap into advanced technologies to strengthen operations. The company is starting a pilot project for automated sorting at its warehouses in Hyderabad.

An automated sorting centre has robotic arms with attached scanners. As a product moves on the conveyor belt, the arm scans the pin code on a package and sorts it. Automation of the sorting process will enable DTDC to hasten deliveries and address high volumes. Also, chances of errors are reduced.

A pilot project for the initiative is expected to start by mid-March.

The company planned to have automated sorting at its warehouses in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru by the end of this year, said Sanjiv Kathuria, co-founder and chief executive officer of Dotzot, the delivery network service of DTDC.

Dotzot focuses on e-commerce delivery services. Its clients include Snapdeal, Flipkart (only in the business-to-business segment), Myntra and Homeshop18.

Kathuria said DTDC’s technology team had been involved in developing the project.

Though automated sorting is a common practice in developed countries, experts say India Post is the only body to own a fully-automated sorting centre in India.

“This is going to change because India is primarily becoming a parcel-oriented market. As the market expands, the number of shipments increases,” Kathuria said. “What will be necessary is more intervention for faster processing. This is where automated sorting comes of help.”

Even as DTDC is looking at technology solutions, Kathuria said he didn't expect drones to completely replace humans in the logistics sector. However, he said drones might be of use in in-warehouse activities and deliveries to remote locations.